The Como site, which is AkzoNobel’s biggest powder coatings plant in Europe, will provide back-up for the group’s site in Arnsberg, Germany, where a new line is also being added. The company did not reveal capacity details for the expansions, nor anticipated start-up dates.

As well as installing advanced equipment and technology to achieve gains in productivity and efficiency, the new operation in Como will also use recycled energy to reduce consumption.

The project follows recent investments in Vietnam and China to install greener facilities and production methods, which AkzoNobel said will help toward achieving its sustainability ambitions.

In Amata, Vietnam, the company is increasing capacity of marine, protective and wood coatings with completion due in January 2021. Various sustainability measures are also being introduced, including solar power generation, rainwater harvesting and solvent recovery systems.

In Guangzhou, China, the Dutch firm is spending 26 million yuan to switch completely to producing water-based products with the upgrade pushing up annual capacity from 88 million liters to 140 million liters. Once fully operational, the site will increase its water reuse by 70%, also cutting wastewater by 50%, helping AkzoNobel to meet its goal of 100% water reuse at its most water-intensive sites by 2030.

Guangzhou is the last of four decorative paints plants in China to transition to water-based products. The other three plants are located in Shanghai, Langfang and Chengdu.

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist